The Gospel of Jesus Christ as Restored by Joseph Smith

OUR GOOD SHEPARD

I guess this is my modern-day city wall or roof top to stand upon and shout to the world my love of God. And for this Easter weekend, my witness of His Son, whom I love!

I truly love the Lord! Not metaphorically, or by way of a slogan or wish, but TRULY, I love Him; “The” best friend, and the Father of me, the new creature in Christ. He is so Incredibly Kind! He’s so Incredible it’s hard to comprehend; and I don’t even know a small part of all He has done! Yet, somehow, I do know more!

I love the Lord and wish to share some of my thoughts of Him, the Son of Ahman, our Good Shepard and Friend, our Lord and Savior.

This is an updated re-post from last Easter with an excerpt from my journal.

This night many years ago, I received the second witness of my life (at that time) from the Father, to me, about His son Jesus Christ (III Nephi 11:36). And although I made some terrible mistakes afterword, this experience sustained me in my faith and love of God, and in the divinity of His son Jesus Christ through some very difficult times; where I had lost all faith and hope in myself, but not Him!

“And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation…” (Helaman 5:12)

November 14, 1979

“…I feel very close to the Lord, I have been studying the Savior and praying for a confirmation of my testimony of him. I want so much to know him better… I had an experience last night, one that I don’t know how or if I should explain, but I don’t want to ever forget it.

We live in the basement apartment of a member’s home and once you turn out the lights its pitch black, even after your eyes adjust. I had just finished Jesus the Christ for the 3rd time, I love that book! After my prayer I got into bed, I felt wonderful, so I continued to pray while in bed, but the spirit was so strong I got back out of bed and knelt down and prayed some more, I have never had a prayer like that, I really did speak to my Father in heaven… After I finished I got back into bed, the spirit was stronger than ever. I was in tears with love for the Savior. My bed is in the corner of the room and as I sat there I realized that I could see the entire room, and that the light was coming from above and behind me, but as I turned to see what it was it moved and then I realized it was me, my head was glowing to the point that our completely dark room was light. I knelt down again and prayed some more and was blessed with the spirit in a way that is beyond words. It was wonderful… I think something more was going to happen but I started to feel a little overwhelmed, I was afraid to look up from my prayer and open my eyes, I think there was an angel (or the Savior even) in the room, but I think it was just more than I could handle, I didn’t feel worthy or ready for more, I don’t know… I got back into bed and thanked the Lord for what had happened and asked for forgiveness of my sins and weaknesses. I was given complete peace with the Lord. My room was still light, when I fell asleep; the Holy Ghost spent the night with me, it was beyond anything I have ever experienced, it’s impossible to put into words… I know God lives and loves “me”. I know that He will testify to us that Christ lives and did indeed atone for the sins of the world, and do it in a way that will leave little doubt in your mind”

He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh. (II Nephi 4:21) And my heart swelled wide as eternity; and bowels yearned. (Moses 7:41)

“O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.” (II Nephi 9:41)

“Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:68)

This is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Seek Him and follow Him on the path back to Gods presence by doing the things He did.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark12:30-31) “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

I can testify to you, from personal and sacred experience, that no matter where you find yourself, no matter how bad you think you’ve fallen or sinned. Our Kind and Good Shepard will reach out to you in the most beautiful and profound ways, as you, with full purpose of heart, harken to His voice and seek Him with real intent, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. I KNOW HE WILL.

“Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.” (Helaman 3:35)

The Holy Spirit and the love of God has washed over and through me in a way that I can only worship and follow the Lord. I love Him and seek His presence. I have chosen to take His name upon me. I pray that I may be worthy to have His spirit to be with me always.

Hosanna to the Lamb of God, our Patient, Wonderful, Good and Merciful, Councilor and Guide!